Subjects involved in the study of HCI include:

Artificial Intelligence - The branch of computer science
that attempts to program computers to respond as if they were thinking,
capable of reasoning, adapting to new situations, and learning new skills.
Examples of artificial intelligence programs include those that can locate
minerals underground, understand human speech.

Ergonomics - The science of designing the job to fit
the worker, rather than physically forcing the worker’s body to
fit the job. Its aim is to obtain a correct match between the human body,
work-related tasks, and work tools. Ergonomics investigates the impact
of a persons physical environment of their health and comfort (eg, work
equip, room, general areas).

Linguistics - The scientific study of language, which
may be undertaken from many different aspects, for example, sounds (phonetics)
or structures of words (morphology) or meanings (semantics).

Sociology - Sociology is the study of the social lives
of humans, groups and societies. It is a relatively new scientific discipline
which has evolved in the early 19th century. It concerns itself with the
social rules and processes that bind and separate people not only as individuals,
but as members of associations, groups, and institutions.

Design - Design is a set of fields for problem-solving
that uses user-centric approaches to understand user needs (as well as
business, economic, environmental, social, and other requirements) to
create successful solutions that solve real problems.

Psychology - The science of behavior and mental processes
and the application of the resulting findings to the solution of problems.
The word thus simultaneously refers to a science (involving the study
of the behavior of humans and animals) and to various interventions (treatments
and therapies) in the mental processes and behavioral patterns of people.

Engineering - Engineering is the application of science
to the needs of humanity. This is accomplished through knowledge, mathematics,
and practical experience applied to the design of useful objects or processes.

Physiology - The study of the functions or vital processes
of living things.

It ought to be possible to produce computer systems that enable the user
to perform the task without first acquiring a detailed knowledge of computer
systems.

A good computer system, like a good pair of shoes, should feel natural,
comfortable and fit without the user being aware of it.

The aim of interface design is to produce systems that are both natural
and transparent to use.

The aim of interface design is to develop systems that do not involve
the user in significant amounts of learning time or effort.

These systems should be effective, fun and safe to use.

ISO 9241 is a quality control system which measures:

“The extent to which a product can be used by specified
users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness,
efficiency and satisfaction in a specified context of
use.”

ISO 9241, part 11

Exercise - Design & Designers

In small groups of 2 or 3, consider and type short answers to the following
questions:

What is design?

What does a designer do?

What factors does a designer need to consider when developing a new
product?

Is fashion design different from engineering design?

What differentiates good design from bad?

Are interface designers artists or software engineers? What is the difference?

Exercise - Bad Designs

During the week, as you use everyday (non computing) interactive devices,
such as video recorders, microwave ovens, light switches in public rooms,
taps in hotels and restaurants and so on, try to develop an awareness of
how well these devices meet users needs and requirements. Visit http://www.baddesigns.com/examples.html
to see some examples of bad design in everyday objects.